Introduction
This mid-year report offers members a glimpse into the Central Ohio construction economy. Central Ohio AGC analyzed permit data obtained from the City of Columbus and compared it with established forward-looking measures of design and planning activity. Together, these indicators reveal where our market stands today and suggest what is to come next.

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Permit activity has remained steady to rising over the past 24 months. Modest increases in permit counts, paired with more substantial gains in valuations, indicate larger projects are entering the pipeline. Spikes and dips reflect the timing of filings, seasonality, and the impact of mega-projects.

These mega‑projects include, Intel’s semiconductor fabs, continuing site work; the Honda/LG’s battery plant; Amgen’s manufacturing site; Anduril’s Arsenal‑1 defense facility; Amazon’s expanding data centers; Ohio State University’s significant investments in the Wexner Medical Center inpatient hospital, Biomedical & Materials Engineering Complex, and other health and research facilities; Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s 750,000 sq ft patient tower and The City of Columbus’s new Home Road water plant northwest of Dublin.

Together, these projects keep Central Ohio in a long-term construction boom, even as bread-and-butter projects—such as schools, retail centers, and modest multifamily developments—face the same financing and demand constraints seen across the Midwest.

ABI readings remain below 50, signaling continued contraction in design activity. The Midwest lags behind the national average, reflecting its higher concentration of industrial and institutional projects and slower population growth. By contrast, the South benefits from population inflows, the West is driven by tech and multifamily, and the Northeast experiences occasional boosts from healthcare and universities.

​AGC of America notes the same national picture: infrastructure and data centers are strong, while office, multifamily, and some manufacturing remain weak.

DMI reached record levels in 2025, driven by large national projects. July alone saw a 20% monthly increase. At the same time, Dodge reported that U.S. starts declined—proof of the lag between planning optimism and actual construction.

Locally, permit valuations are climbing thanks to mega-projects, but Central Ohio does not yet mirror the extraordinary surge seen nationally in planning.

The divergence is clear: owners are planning at record levels (DMI), but architects still report weak billings (ABI). In Central Ohio, permit issuance remains steady, but design work has not kept pace. This reflects delayed financing and approvals. If planning strength persists, design and construction will follow.

​Summary and Outlook (12-18 months)
Permits: steady-to-rising, with valuations lifted by mega-projects. ABI: weak nationally and in the Midwest. DMI: record highs nationally.

Central Ohio remains a dual-track economy: booming at the top end with mega-projects, constrained for everyday work. Over the next 12–18 months, expect steady activity and a broader upswing by 2026 as today’s planning converts into design and construction. Nationally, AGC of America projects continued strength in infrastructure and data centers, but softness in other areas.

Questions? Email Daniel Edwards, Central Ohio AGC Chief Executive Officer

CEA Safety Awards
Congratulations to Central Ohio AGC Members (left to right), Hensel Phelps, Messer Construction, and Valley Interiors for recognition for strong commitment to safety with programs that exceed industry standards.​

Central Ohio Associated General Contractors (AGC) is pleased to announce the election of Mary Beatty as the next President of its Board of Directors. Beatty, a highly respected leader in the construction industry, brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to advancing the profession in Central Ohio.
 
As the President of Brexton LLC, Beatty has been instrumental in driving innovation and excellence in the industry. Her leadership and strategic vision have contributed significantly to the company’s growth and success. Her election as Board President marks a significant milestone for her and the organization, as she follows in the footsteps of her father, Tim Galvin, who held the position in 2000. Mary is the first woman to lead Central Ohio AGC.
 
“I am honored to serve as the President of the Board for Central Ohio AGC,” said Beatty. “This organization plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for the construction industry, and I am excited to continue that legacy while exploring new opportunities for growth and collaboration.”
 
Under her leadership, the Central Ohio AGC will continue supporting construction professionals through education, networking, and advocacy. Beatty’s tenure is expected to bring strategic planning initiatives to foster innovation and workforce development in the region and advance the Association. 
The Central Ohio AGC thanks outgoing Board President Brian Mooney of Turner, whose dedication and leadership have helped strengthen the organization and its impact on the industry.
 
For more information on Central Ohio Associated General Contractors, please visit www.centralohioagc.org or contact Carissa Hershey, Director of Communications, at [email protected].
 
About Central Ohio Associated General Contractors Central Ohio AGC is a leading organization dedicated to serving the needs of the construction industry by providing resources, advocacy, and professional development opportunities. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, the association works to advance the interests of general contractors and industry professionals throughout the region.